Teachers and parents have always strived to teach children to be responsible, safe and respectful in everything they do. Are we able to transfer these attitudes into their increasingly active online life?In today’s society, using technology is a given; knowing how to use it appropriately is the issue for learners of all ages. This is common ground for digital immigrants (adults) and natives (children) alike. Digital Citizenship, the process of being safe, savvy and respectful online is crucial in the connected world of today. The Grade 5 students at GWA recently took part in a Digital Citizenship presentation in order to help enhance their skills for the PYP Exhibition and their social online communication. Students took part in interactive activities highlighting the importance of the digital footprint as well as the importance of thinking before one posts or sends (Stop: Think: Click). Concluding the presentation, students were asked to take part in an online survey with their parents in order to promote the importance of Digital Citizenship. The recent student survey indicated that over 48% of students use their personal computer or device in their bedroom. Parents are under the impression that since students have a greater understanding of technology, that they will also make good choices and decisions online which we know for the most part, without proper guidance, is not the case. For these reasons, it is essential that parents and teachers (digital immigrants) are given the skills to continue to model responsibility, safety and respect online. To have a snapshot of the student survey, take a look at the results here.For more information, useful links, practical advice and suggestions please visit our GWA Digital Citizenship website or ‘like’ our Digital Citizenship Facebook Page.

Managing your child’s digital life is a relatively new challenge, an issue that didn’t really exist for our parents when we were children. A child’s attitude towards electronic devices passes through discrete stages and parents are encouraged to understand these phases to help children navigate their way to becoming independent, responsible, young adults. Frederick Lane from Platform for Good has recently published a fantastic list of developmental phases that helps manage the growing stages of your child’s digital life beginning from early childhood years. · Phase One: Can I play with that? · Phase Two: I want one of those! · Phase Three: Let me set that up for you. · Phase Four: Hey, that’s private! · Phase Five: Whaddya mean I have to pay for that? For more information, useful links, practical advice and suggestions please visit our GWA Digital Citizenship website or ‘like’ our Digital Citizenship Facebook Page.

As you are a "Digital Native", you are to sit down with your “Digital Immigrant” parents to complete this short survey. All responses are confidential. The entire grade 5 class who completes the survey first will be rewarded with an upcoming visit to the Planetarium. Will it be YOUR class? The deadline: April 21st at 8:00 am. Good luck!

Have you had difficulty trying to seek a balanced life in this technologically enhanced world? How is it possible to integrate technology use with our offline life in the world today?

It may be more difficult for your children to seek balance as they are born into the digital world and have not experienced the world any other way. Keep in mind that how you, as a parent, balance your life with the Internet will be a major influence on how your children will balance their lives as well. Sanne Bloemart’s blog Educational Journey shares important advice to help balance life with the Internet today: I am what I share: The Internet Addiction. 1. Use the Internet for the same amount of time each time you use it. 2. If a timer doesn’t keep you on track, consider downloading parental control software– some programs include time locks. 3. Delete accounts that you really don’t need anymore. 4. Delete your favorites (Keep important pages you might need for homework, etc.) 5. Be sure to maintain lots of offline activities. 6. Monitor your feelings when you’re online and offline. 7. Stop wasting your life on the Internet. 8. Be active and free. Further, this short video will help you understand why these tips and balance are essential in the world today. For more information, useful links, practical advice and suggestions please ‘like’ our Digital Citizenship Facebook Page.

Teens are dividing their attention between a variety of social apps and tools allowing them to connect, write, share, video and chat with their friends. As a parent, knowing why each app is popular and what potential problems could arise makes all the difference between a positive and negative experience for your child. Common Sense Media has shared an excellent resource explaining the importance of the latest 11 trending apps and how they can be used. Find out the basics and why apps and sites such as Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Google +, Vine, Wanelo, Kik Messenger, Ooovoo, Pheed and Ask.fm are becoming more popular with your teen and what to keep an eye on while they are being used. For more information, useful links, practical advice and suggestions please visit our GWA Digital Citizenship website or ‘like’ our Digital Citizenship Facebook Page.